Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3380 (KB5053660) for both the Dev and Beta Channels. This update brings exciting enhancements and features, while also allowing flexibility for users in the Beta Channel to upgrade at their own pace.
For those currently in the Beta Channel, the updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 will initially be optional. However, it’s important to note that these updates will transition to recommended status later this year, facilitating automatic upgrades for users. Additionally, if you’re in the Dev Channel, you have the opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel while the same 24H2-based updates are being released across both channels. This window for switching will close once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers. It’s worth mentioning that switching channels may temporarily result in the loss of some features.
IMPORTANT: The window for switching channels is closing soon, so we encourage you to consider your options carefully during this period.
New features gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*
Recommended files in File Explorer
The File Explorer Home now features recommended files for all Windows Insiders signed in with personal Microsoft or local accounts. This section provides quick access to files based on user activity, displayed as a carousel with thumbnail previews. Users with work or school accounts will see additional recommendations. However, this change is not yet available in the European Economic Area (EEA). Quick access folders remain available in the navigation pane for easy access to pinned folders.
FEEDBACK: Please share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*
[Live captions]
- Real-time translation to Chinese (Simplified) is now rolling out on AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, supporting a variety of languages including Arabic, German, Spanish, and more.
[Start menu]
- A new feature will recommend a snap group in the Recommended section of the Start menu, suggesting two apps that are likely to be used together.
[Search on the Taskbar]
- Enhanced support for web search providers in Windows Search for the EEA, improving discoverability.
[Notifications]
- A new toast notification will prompt users to add a secondary email or recovery phone number to their Microsoft account, ensuring account security.
[Widgets]
- Web developers can now create dynamic and interactive widgets using their existing web content for integration into Windows 11.
[Input]
- A new system tray icon on the taskbar will enhance the discoverability of the emoji and more panel, allowing for easier expression through emojis, GIFs, and Kaomoji.
[Settings]
- New “top cards” under Settings > System > About will provide a snapshot of key PC specifications, aiding users in understanding their hardware capabilities.
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*
[File Explorer]
- Improvements to accessibility in File Explorer include enhanced text scaling support across File Open/Save dialogs.
[Windowing]
- Resolved an issue where the Snap Bar was incorrectly displaying corners on the side nearest to the screen.
[Input]
- Addressed a significant ctfmon.exe crash that could hinder typing capabilities.
[Settings]
- Fixed issues causing Settings to crash when adding a color profile or signing into a Microsoft account.
- Corrected the display name format for Japanese users in Settings > Accounts.
[Other]
- Resolved a bugcheck issue occurring during sleep mode.
- Fixed a problem with windows.storage.dll that led to app crashes when opening files.
Known issues
[General]
- Post-PC reset, the build version may inaccurately display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120, but this will not affect future updates.
[Recall]
- [REMINDER] Ensure your Microsoft 365 apps are updated for seamless document access.
The following known issues will be addressed in future updates:
- [NEW] Recall snapshots may be deleted on PCs managed by IT administrators after installing this build. A temporary workaround involves adjusting Group Policy settings before installation.
- Some users may face issues with Recall not saving snapshots automatically.
- Recall can be enabled or disabled from “Turn Windows features on or off”.
[Click to Do]
- [REMINDER] Ensure your Photos and Paint apps are updated for optimal functionality.
- [REMINDER] Intelligent text actions utilize Microsoft’s secure cloud for improved results, with data automatically deleted.
[Improved Windows Search]
- [REMINDER] For optimal search indexing on Copilot+ PCs, it’s advised to keep the device plugged in during the initial indexing process.
[File Explorer]
- A fix is underway for an issue causing slow closure of File Explorer for some users.
[Task Manager]
- After adding the new CPU Utility column, the System Idle Process may consistently show as 0.
- The CPU graphs in the Performance page are still utilizing previous CPU utility calculations.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package.
- Updates in the Dev Channel serve as a preview of enhancements to servicing technology.
- Features in the Dev Channel are rolled out gradually, starting with a subset of Insiders.
- For those in the Dev Channel wishing to access new features early, toggling on the setting in Settings > Windows Update will allow for the latest updates as they become available.
- Features in development may not be fully localized and could change or be removed based on feedback.
- Some accessibility features may not function with preview features like Recall and Click to Do.
- There may be instances where features appear in the Beta Channel before the Dev Channel.
- For a comprehensive overview of build statuses, refer to Flight Hub.
Thank you for your continued engagement and feedback.
Amanda & Brandon